The human dominance of this natural resource is affecting other species, reducing the amount of energy available to them by almost 10 per cent, scientists report.

Researchers said the findings showed humans were using “a remarkable share” of the earth’s plant productivity “to meet the needs and wants of one species”.

They also warned that the increased use of biofuels – such as ethanol and canola – should be viewed cautiously, given the potential for further pressure on ecosystems.

“Here we are, just one species on the earth, and we’re grabbing a quarter of the renewable resources … we’re probably being a bit greedy.”

So what exactly is the right percentage for “just one species” to “grab?”

By the way, only 29.2% of the Earth’s surface is land, and 81.98% of that is not arable. Thanks to industry, humans are capable of productively using far more of the non-arable portion than any other species, as any visitor to Las Vegas should know.